BANKSETA Disability Skills Programme applications are now open for 2026. The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) is offering free digital skills training for young South Africans living with disabilities. If you are between 18 and 35 years old, have a Matric certificate, and live in Limpopo, Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal, you can train as a Technopreneur or Cybersecurity Defender at no cost. Applications close on 6 August 2026, so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.
About the BANKSETA Disability Skills Programme
BANKSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development across South Africa’s banking and microfinance sector. It funds learnerships, internships, bursaries and skills programmes that prepare young people for careers in one of the country’s most important industries. The Disability Skills Development Programme is delivered in partnership with Masithuthuke Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a training provider appointed to run the initiative.
The programme was created to address two challenges at once: the shortage of digital skills in South Africa’s financial sector, and the exclusion of people with disabilities from the labour market. Employment rates for South Africans with disabilities remain far below the national average, and structured training programmes like this one are designed to close that gap. Participants choose between two high-demand streams that reflect where the banking industry is heading: technology entrepreneurship and cybersecurity.
What You Will Learn
- Technopreneur stream: how to build and run a technology-based business, from idea development to digital operations
- Cybersecurity Defender stream: practical skills to protect organisations from online threats, a critical need in banking and finance
- Hands-on projects that build a portfolio you can show employers
- Workplace readiness and professional communication skills
- Access to a network of mentors and potential employers in the tech and banking sectors
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Matric certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification
- Proof of disability in the form of a confirmation letter, official documentation or medical report
- Resident of Limpopo, Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal
RELATED: AGSA Trainee Auditor Programme 2027: 3-Year CA(SA) Training
Required Documents
- Recently certified copy of your South African ID (smart cards must be scanned on both sides)
- Recently certified copy of your matric certificate
- Recently certified copies of your highest qualifications or certificates
- Updated CV
- Latest medical report or proof of disability
How to Apply
- Gather and certify all the documents listed above. Certification must be recent.
- Decide which stream you want: Technopreneur or Cybersecurity Defender.
- Complete the official online application form, including your personal details, province, type of disability and preferred skill programme.
- Alternatively, email your application with all documents attached to admin@masithuthukeholdings.co.za with a clear subject line such as “Application – BANKSETA Technopreneur Programme”.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and watch your email and phone for feedback.
Submit your application online here: Apply at BANKSETA (official application form)
Closing Date
The closing date for the BANKSETA Disability Skills Development Programme 2026 is 6 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains among the highest in the world, and young people living with disabilities face even steeper barriers to entering the workforce. At the same time, the country has a serious shortage of cybersecurity and digital skills, with banks and financial institutions actively recruiting for these roles.
This programme sits exactly at that intersection: it gives participants skills that employers are searching for right now, while opening a door that has too often been closed. Completing a recognised digital skills programme can lead to employment in the financial sector, freelance consulting work, or the launch of your own tech business. For many participants, it is the first step towards financial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The programme is designed for entry-level candidates. You only need a matric certificate, proof of disability, and the required documents.
Which provinces can apply?
The programme is open to residents of Limpopo, Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Is a stipend paid during the training?
Stipend details are confirmed during the application process. Contact admin@masithuthukeholdings.co.za if you need clarity before applying.
What happens after I complete the programme?
Graduates leave with industry-relevant digital skills, a project portfolio, and access to a professional network. Many use the qualification to pursue jobs in banking and tech or to start their own businesses.
